Saturday 3rd February

A visit between 3.30 and 5.30 today.

I parked by the Water works as usual. As it was such a nice day the country park was packed so I quickly headed for Abbey Mead. Only a Sparrowhawk on the country park side of the railway of note.

Abbey Mead had an impressive number of duck - mainly Tufted and Pochard, with a few Gadwall and Shoveler.

Up at the Sunken Marsh at the north end of Abbey Mead I could hear several Bearded Tit calling. AGAIN they remained elusive......I am determined to see them some day soon...maybe tomorrow when I plan to visit early morning. A Little Egret flew over.

At about 4.45, heard 'crests calling and moving through again. Pretty sure the Firecrest again shot through to roost. A Shelduck flew over along with several Jackdaw.

Walking around Brooklands a Grey Wagtail called loudly as it flew over. No sign of of the Bittern first of all, but Terry Laws suggested walking around the path between Brooklands and the railway line. Sure enough we saw a Bittern high up in the reeds giving excellent views.

Back along the Millstream to the usual Bittern spot at about 5.20 and we had 2 more Bittern showing well both high up in the reeds. So, 3 Bittern - the most I have seen there this year.